Gas restrictor for horizontally oriented well pump
US6715556B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 16, 2002 |
| Grant date | Apr 6, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 19, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B43/128
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
An intake assembly for a well pump restricts gas entry into the pump when the pump is located in a horizontal section of the well bore. The restrictor is located within a tubular intake housing. The intake housing has apertures for receiving the flow of well fluid. The apertures are spaced circumferentially around the housing. Once installed in the well, some of the apertures will be at higher elevations than others. The restrictor partially blocks at least one of the higher elevation apertures and opens at least one of the lower elevation apertures. The gas will be at the higher elevations, thus it is restricted from flowing in through the higher elevation aperture while the liquid freely flows into the lower elevation aperture. The restrictor may be of a buoyant material to float upward in the well fluid. The restrictor may also be open in response to contact with the casing wall.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.